POS system, an optical reader, and an information processing system

ABSTRACT

A POS system comprises a host computer providing a centralized control over a plurality of scanners, and a printer for printing a batch setting bar code or the like. A CPU of the scanner reads the changes in the setting from its own memory when it receives a first transmission request command and then transmits the data to the host computer as a first batch setting data. From this first batch setting data, a first batch setting bar code is generated. When this first batch setting bar code is read using the reader of the scanner whose setting has not been changed, the setting in the memory of this scanner is changed to the setting represented by the first batch setting data. Thus, setting in a plurality of scanners can speedily and accurately be changed.

This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No.09/362,705 filed Jul. 29, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,879.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a POS system having a scanner foroptically reading the bar code used for merchandise management and moreparticularly to, a POS system, an optical reader, and an informationprocessing system for changing when setting in a plurality of scannersis to be changed, according to contents of setting in one scannersetting in the other scanners in batch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, in retail trade, there has been used a POS systemschematically comprising a plurality of POS (Points of Sales) terminalsprovided in each lane and a plurality of scanners connected to theplurality of POS terminals each for optically reading the bar code withthe aim of speeding up a grasp of sales contents of articles as well asof saving in labor. In this POS system, each of the scanners reads thebar code attached to the article, and each of the POS terminals performsan operation for settlement according to a result of reading the barcode.

In each of the plurality of scanners, a protocol at the time of readingthe bar code and conditions for the POS terminal and communicationinterface or the like are set respectively. When the setting in all ofthe plurality of scanners is to be changed (called discrete settinghereinafter), the setting in each of the scanners is required to bechanged discretely. Therefore, time required for the changing thesetting increases in proportion with the number of scanners. Further, achance of an incorrect setting also increase. Therefore, shops,especially large-scaled shops where hundreds of scanners and POSterminals are installed therein eagerly desire a POS system enablingchanging of settings speedily and accurately. Apart form the POS system,an optical reader for reading the bar code and an information processingsystem having the optical reader have a similar demand.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing configuration of a conventional typeof POS system. In this figure, scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) are connected toPOS terminal 20 ₁ to 20 _(n) one by one via cables L₁ to L_(n), and eachof the scanners optically reads the ordinary bar code 4 attached to anarticle (not shown) when the scanner is operated (called an operatingmode hereinafter).

The ordinary bar code 4 has a pattern formed with a plurality ofalternate black bars and white bars, and these patterns of barsrepresent the numerals from 0 to 9, and characters such as a space, #,and &. Maker code and item code for the article are also represented onthe ordinary bar code 4. Herein, as the ordinary bar code 4, there arebar code symbols defined such as JAN (Japan Article Number), WPC (WorldProduct Code) as a worldwide standard, EAN (European Article Number)used in Europe, and UPC (Universal product code) used in America.

Each of the scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) optically reads a shift to settingmode bar code 1, setting bar code 2, end of setting mode bar code 3 atthe time of discrete setting described above (called a setting modehereinafter).

The shift to setting mode bar code 1 has control information representedwith bar code for shifting the mode in each of the scanners 10 ₁ to 10_(n) from the above mentioned operating mode to a setting mode.

The setting bar code 2 has setting represented with bar code for thesetting mode. The setting includes a plurality of contents: selection ofbar code readable from bar code specified in the WPC and JAN or thelike; conditions of data transmission; conditions of generating soundwhen bar code is read; and parameters for various controls. As there area plurality of settings as described above, one setting bar code 2 isused for one setting in practice. Therefore, assuming that there are ‘n’number of settings, then ‘n’ types of setting bar codes 2 are used. Theend of setting mode bar code 3 has control information represented withbar code for ending the setting mode and shifting the mode in thescanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) from the setting mode to the operating mode.

In the scanner 10 ₁, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 ₁ providescontrols over operations of reading the bar codes, changing the setting,and writing data in or reading data from a non-volatile memory 18 ₁. Theoperation of this CPU 11 ₁ will be described in detail later. A ROM(Read Only Memory) 12stores therein a program executed by the CPU 11 ₁.A RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 ₁ temporarily stores therein variousdata required by the CPU 11 ₁.

A reader 14 ₁ generally comprises a laser oscillator for irradiating alaser beam on the ordinary bar code 4 or the like and a light receivingunit for receiving the light reflected from the ordinary bar code 4 orthe like and then generating a read signal corresponding to distributionof black bars and white bars on the ordinary bar code 4. Furthermore,the CPU 11 ₁ generates bar code data D_(b) by demodulating the ordinarybar code 4 or the like according to the read signal, and transmits thedemodulated data to the POS terminal 20 ₁ via an external interface 17 ₁and the cable L₁.

A restart switch 15 ₁ is used when setting is to be changed using a DIPswitch 19 ₁ described later. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) 16 ₁ reportsthe operating status of the scanner 10 ₁ to the operator by light. Morespecifically, the LED is lit under control of the CPU 11 ₁ when readingof the ordinary bar code 4 or the like is complete in the setting modeor the like.

The external interface 17 ₁ works as an interfaces between the CPU 11 ₁and an external device (such as the POS terminal 20 ₁). Namely, the CPU11 ₁ is connected to the POS terminal 20 ₁ via the external interface 17₁ and the cable L₁.

The non-volatile memory 18 ₁ is an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable andProgrammable Read Only Memory) and stores the contents therein even whenpower supply is stopped. This non-volatile memory 18 ₁ stores the abovedescribed setting for the scanner 10 ₁. Furthermore, the setting storedin this non-volatile memory 18 ₁ are updated during the setting mode.

The DIP switch 19 ₁ comprises, as shown in FIG. 7, a first switch groupSW₁ having eight switches D₁, D₂, D₃, D₄, D₅, D₆, M₂ and M₁ and a secondswitch group SW₂ having four switches F₁, F₂, F₃, and F₄. This DIPswitch 19 ₁ is used for specifying the setting mode and setting in thescanner 10 ₁ by switching each switch in the first switch group SW₁ andsecond switch group SW₂ ON or OFF.

Although each of the scanners 10 ₂ to 10 _(n) has the same configurationas that of the scanner 10 ₁, different reference numerals are assignedto components in the scanner 10 ₂ corresponding to those in the scanner10 ₁ for convenience in description. Namely, the scanner 10 ₂ comprisesa CPU 11 ₂, a ROM 12 ₂, a RAM 13 ₂, a reader 14 ₂, a restart switch 15₂, an LED 16 ₂, an external interface 17 ₂, a non-volatile memory 18 ₂,and a DIP switch 19 ₂, and the components correspond to the componentsin the scanner 10 ₁.

The POS terminal 20 ₁ recognizes the maker and the item of the articlewith the ordinary bar code 4 attached thereto from the bar code dataD_(b) received from the scanner 10 ₁ via the cable L₁, and performs anoperation for settlement on the article according to the result ofrecognition.

Next, operation of the conventional type of POS system will be describedwith reference to a flow chart shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 6, when power issupplied to each section of the device, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10₁, CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂, and each CPUs (not shown) of thescanners 10 ₃ to 10 _(n) shift the system control to step SA1 shown inFIG. 8. Description will be made hereinafter giving particular emphasison the operation of the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁.

In step SA1, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines whether thereader 14 ₁ has detected a bar code (ordinary bar code 4 or the like) ornot according to whether a read signal has been received from the reader14 ₁ or not, and repeats the same determination when a result ofdetection is “No”. Herein, when the ordinary bar code 4 is detected bythe reader 14 ₁, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes a result ofdetermination in step SA1 as “Yes” and shifts the system control to stepSA2. Then, a read signal corresponding to the ordinary bar code 4 isinputted from the reader 14 ₁ into the CPU 11 ₁.

In step SA2, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines from thereceived read signal whether the bar code detected in step SA1 is shiftto setting mode bar code 1 or not. When the bar code is the ordinary barcode 4, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes a result ofdetermination in step SA2 as “No” and shifts the system control to stepSA3.

In step SA3, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines from thereceived read signal whether the bar code detected in step SA1 is theordinary bar code 4 or not, and when the result of determination is “No”the system control is returned to step SA1. On the other hand, when itis determined that the detected bar code is the ordinary bar code 4, theCPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes a result of determination instep SA3 as “Yes” and shifts the system control to step SA4. In stepSA4, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ generates data D_(b) for the barcode corresponding to the ordinary bar code 4 from the received readsignal, transmits the data to the POS terminal 20 ₁ via the externalinterface 17 ₁ and the cable L₁. Then the system control is returned tostep SA1 and the sequence of operations described above is repeated.

Herein, when any change occurs in specifications of the ordinary barcode 4 to be used, setting in each of the scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) isrequired to be changed discretely. In this case, the operator performs asetting operation for changing the setting in order of the scanner 10 ₁,10 ₂, 10 ₃, . . . , 10 _(n). In this setting operation, at first, theoperator reads the shift to setting mode bar code 1 with the help of thereader 14 ₁ in order to change the setting in the scanner 10 ₁. Theshift to setting mode bar code 1 is detected by the reader 14 ₁, and theCPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result of determination instep SA1 as “Yes” and shifts the system control to step SA2. Then a readsignal corresponding to the shift to setting mode bar code 1 is inputtedfrom the reader 14 ₁ into the CPU 11 ₁.

In step SA2, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines from thereceived read signal whether the bar code detected in step SA1 is shiftto setting mode bar code 1 or not. When it is determined that thedetected bar code is shift to setting mode bar code 1, the CPU 11 ₁ ofthe scanner 10 ₁ recognizes a result of determination instep SA2 as“Yes” and shifts the system control to step SA5. With this operation,the mode in the scanner 10 ₁ is shifted from the operating mode to thesetting mode.

In step SA5, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines, similarly tothat in step SA1, whether the reader 14 ₁ has detected bar code or notaccording to whether a read signal has been received from the reader 14₁ or not, and repeats the same determination when a result of thedetection is “No”.

Then, the operator reads a setting bar code 2 using the reader 14 ₁ inorder to change the setting. One information corresponding to a newsetting is represented on this setting bar code 2. The setting bar code2 is detected herein by the reader 14 ₁, so that the CPU 11 ₁ of thescanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result of determination in step SA5 as “Yes”and shifts the system control to step SA6. Then a read signalcorresponding to the setting bar code 2 is inputted from the reader 14 ₁into the CPU 11 ₁.

In step SA6, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines from thereceived read signal whether the bar code detected in step SA5 issetting bar code 2 or not. Because the detected bar code is setting barcode 2, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result ofdetermination in step SA6 as “Yes” and shifts the system control to stepSA7.

In step SA7, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ reads the data for theexisting setting from the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ according to datademodulated from the setting bar code 2, updates this existing settingwith the new setting obtained from the read signal, and returns thesystem control to step SA5. In step SA5, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10₁ determines whether the reader 14 ₁ has detected a bar code or not,recognizes, assuming that the bar code is not detected in this case, aresult of determination as “No”, and repeats the same determination.

Then the operator reads the end of setting mode bar code 3 using thereader 14 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ in order to end the setting mode. Theend of setting mode bar code 3 is detected by the reader 14 ₁, and theCPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result of determination instep SA5 as “Yes” and shifts the processing to step SA6. Then a readsignal corresponding to the end of setting mode bar code 3 is inputtedfrom the reader 14 ₁ into the CPU 11 ₁.

In step SA6, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ demodulates the bar codehaving been detected in step SA5 from the received read signal, anddetermines from the result of demodulation whether the bar code is asetting bar code 2 or not. When it is determined that the detected barcode is the setting bar code 3, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁recognizes a result of determination in step SA6 as “No” and shifts thesystem control to step SA8. In step SA8, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10₁ determines whether the bar code detected in step SA5 is end of settingmode bar code 3 or not from the received read signal. When the result ofdetermination in step SA8 is “No”, the system control is returned tostep SA5 and the sequence of operations described above is repeated.

Because the bar code detected in step SA5 is the end of setting mode barcode 3, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result ofdetermination in step SA8 as “Yes” and shifts the system control to stepSA9. With this operation, the mode in the scanner 10 ₁ is shifted fromthe setting mode to the operating mode. In step SA9, the CPU 11 ₁ of thescanner 10 ₁ updates the setting in the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ withthe new setting according to an updating operation in step SA7. Then thesystem control is returned to step SA1 and the sequence of operationsdescribed above is repeated.

When the setting in the scanner 10 ₁ are changed, the operator performsthe same operation as that for setting in the scanner 10 ₁ to change thesetting in the next scanner, i.e. the scanner 10 ₂. Similarly, when thesetting in the scanner 10 ₂ are changed, the operator successivelyperforms the same operation as that for setting in the scanner 10 ₁ tochange the setting in each of the scanners from scanner 10 ₃ to 10 _(n).

Although description has been made for the case, in the setting mode,where setting are changed using the shift to setting mode bar code 1,setting bar code 2, and the end of setting mode bar code 3, it is alsopossible to change the setting using the DIP switch. When setting in thescanner 10 ₁ is changed using the DIP switch 19 ₁, as one example, theoperator switches OFF the switch M₁ and switches ON the switch M₂ in thefirst switch group SW₁ of the DIP switch 19 ₁ shown in FIG. 7 and turnsON the power. Then, the operator presses the restart switch 15 ₁. Withthis operation, the mode in the scanner 10 ₁ is changed to the settingmode, and the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes that the mode inthe scanner 10 ₁ is switched from the operating mode to the settingmode.

Then, the operator changes the ON/OFF state of, for instance, each ofthe switches F₁ to F₄ in the second switch group SW₂ of the DIP switch19 ₁ to change the setting in the scanner 10 ₁. With this operation, theCPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the ON/OFF state of the secondswitch group SW₂ to grasp contents of the new setting.

Then, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ reads the data for the existingsetting from the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ in the same manner as in stepSA7 (Refer to FIG. 8), and updates the existing setting when the restartswitch 15 ₁ is continuously pressed for more than 30 ms in a row withthe new setting according to the second switch group SW₂. Theconfiguration of the POS system described above may be applied to anoptical reader for optically reading bar code and to an informationprocessing system having a function for reading the bar code in, forexample, physical distribution.

By the way, in the conventional type of POS system, when it is requiredto change the setting in the scanner 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) a series ofoperations for changing the setting such as the operation of reading ashift to setting mode bar code 1, the operation of reading one or moresetting bar code 2, the operation of reading a end of setting mode barcode 3 has to be repeated ‘n’ times.

In such a case, although there occurs no problem when the number ‘n’ ofthe scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) is a small number. However, a long time isrequired for this operation when the number ‘n’ is in the order of a fewhundred from the fact that bar codes are read at least three times foreach unit, which causes an error in an reading order to occur and alsoincorrect setting to occur. Especially, when the setting are changedusing the DIP switch 19 ₁, still longer time is required for ON/OFFsetting of the DIP switch 19 ₁, therefore, the problem becomes moresevere as compared to the case where the shift to setting mode bar code1 is used.

Furthermore, when the setting are changed using the DIP switch 19 ₁, theON/OFF setting of the DIP switch 19 ₁ has to be performed for eachswitch in the DIP switch 19 ₁ as well as for each unit thereof,therefore, the problem such as the incorrect setting becomes more severeas compared to the case where the above mentioned shift to setting modebar code 1 is used. Similar problems occurs in the conventional type ofoptical reader and information processing system as the POS system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made with the background described above,and it is an object of the present invention to provide a POS system, anoptical reader, and an information processing system in which thesetting in a plurality of scanners can speedily and accurately bechanged.

The POS system according to the present invention comprises a pluralityof scanners each having a reader for optically reading a bar code, amemory for storing therein data for setting required for operations, anda control unit for controlling the operation of writing data in orreading data from the memory. There is provided a discrete settingchanging unit for changing the data for setting in the memory in one ofthe plurality of scanners. A bar code generating unit is provided forgenerating a batch setting bar code according to the data for settingafter changes in the memory in the scanner whose data for setting hasbeen changed. The control unit in each of the scanners other than thescanner whose data for setting has been changed, changes the data forsetting in its own memory according to the data for setting afterchanges obtained from the batch setting bar code read by the reader ofthe respective scanners.

Thus, data for setting in the memory in one of the plurality of scannersis changed using the discrete setting changing unit, then, data forsetting in the other scanners is not complete is changed in batch.

In other words, the reader of each of the other scanners reads thegenerated batch setting bar code and the control unit of these scannersupdates the data for setting in their own memory according to the datafor setting after changes obtained from the batch setting bar code.

With the above invention, data for setting in one of the scanners isdiscretely changed and then each data for setting in the other scannersis changed in batch using the only one batch setting bar code.Therefore, setting can speedily be changed as compared to that of theconventional type of POS system, and the chances of incorrect settingcan be prevented because there is no need to discretely change thesetting, especially, in a plurality of scanners using a DIP switch orthe like, which allows the changing operation of setting to accuratelybe performed.

In the POS system according to another aspect, the bar code generatingunit comprises a read control unit and a bar code generator. The readcontrol unit issues an instruction to read the data for setting afterchanges from the memory with respect to the control unit of the scannerwhose data for setting has been changed. The bar code generatorgenerates the batch setting bar code according to the data for settingafter changes read by the control unit of the scanner whose data forsetting has been changed.

When an instruction to read the data for setting after changes from thememory is issued by the read control unit, the data for setting afterchanges is read out by the control unit. Then the bar code generatorgenerates the batch setting bar code according to this data for settingafter changes.

With the above invention, data for setting in one of the scanners isdiscretely changed and then each data for setting in the other scannersis changed in batch using the only one batch setting bar code.Therefore, setting can speedily be changed as compared to that of theconventional type of POS system, and chances of incorrect setting can beprevented because there is no need to discretely change the setting,especially, in a plurality of scanners using a DIP switch or the like,which allows the changing operation of setting to accurately beperformed.

In the POS system according to another aspect, the control unit of thescanner whose data for setting has been changed reads the data forsetting after changes from the memory according to a result of reading aspecified bar code with the reader. Then, the bar code generating unitgenerates the batch setting bar code according to the data for settingafter changes.

When a specified bar code is read by the reader of one of the scanners,the control unit of that scanner reads the data for setting afterchanges from the memory. Then, the bar code generating unit generatesthe batch setting bar code according to the data for setting afterchanges.

With the above invention, because an extremely simple method of havingthe reader read a specified bar code is used, setting can more speedilybe changed as compared to that of the conventional type of POS system.

The POS system according to another aspect comprises a plurality ofscanners each having a reader for optically reading a bar code, a memoryfor storing therein data for setting required for operations, and acontrol unit for controlling the operation of writing data in or readingdata from the memory. There is provided a discrete setting changing unitfor changing the data for setting in the memory in one of the pluralityof scanners. A bar code generating unit compares the data for settingbefore changes in the memory of the scanner whose data for setting hasbeen changed to the data for setting after changes and generates a batchsetting bar code according to only the changed portions of the data. Thecontrol unit in each of the scanners other than the scanner whose datafor setting has been changed, changes only the changed portions of thedata for setting stored therein according to data for the changedportions obtained from the batch setting bar code read by the reader ofthe respective scanners.

Thus, data for setting before the changes in the scanner whose data hasbeen changed is compared with the data for setting after changes, andthe batch setting bar code is generated according to only the differentportions.

With the above invention, as only the portion of data which is differentis read, the time for reading the batch setting bar code with the helpof the reader of the other scanners is reduced. This allows the settingto still more speedily be changed as compared to that of theconventional type of POS system.

The POS system according to another aspect comprises a plurality ofscanners each having a reader for optically reading a bar code, a memoryfor storing therein data for setting required for operations, and acontrol unit for controlling the operation of writing data in or readingdata from the memory. There is provided a discrete setting changing unitfor changing the data for setting in the memory in one of the pluralityof scanners. A bar code generating unit for generates a batch settingbar code according to the data for setting after changes in the memoryin the scanner whose data for setting has been changed. The control unitin each of the scanners other than the scanner whose data for settinghas been changed, changes the data for setting stored in the memoryaccording to the data for setting after changes obtained from the batchsetting bar code read by the reader of the respective scanners.

Thus, the discrete setting changing unit first changes the data forsetting in the memory in one of the plurality of scanners. Then, whenthe batch setting bar code is read using the reader of the otherscanners, setting in the other scanners is successively changed inbatch.

In other words, when the batch setting bar code is read by the reader ofeach of the other scanners, the control unit updates data for setting intheir own memory according to the data for setting after changesobtained from the batch setting bar code.

With the above invention, data for setting in one of scanners isdiscretely changed and then each data for setting in the other scannersis changed in batch using the same batch setting bar code. Therefore,setting can speedily be changed as compared to that of the conventionaltype of POS system, and chances of incorrect setting can be preventedbecause there is no need to discretely change the setting, especially,in a plurality of scanners using a DIP switch or the like, which allowsthe setting to accurately be changed.

The POS system according to another aspect comprises a plurality ofscanners each having a reader for optically reading bar code, a memoryfor storing therein data for setting required for operations, and acontrol unit for controlling the operation of writing data in or readingdata from the memory. There is provided a discrete setting changing unitfor changing the data for setting in the memory in one of the pluralityof scanners. A bar code generating unit generates a batch setting barcode according to the data for setting after changes in the memory inthe scanner whose data for setting has been changed. A switch isprovided for shifting the operating mode of the scanners other than thescanner whose data for setting has been changed to a batch setting mode.The control unit in each of the scanners other than the scanner whosedata for setting has bee changed, shifts the mode to the batch settingmode under control by the switch and changes the data for setting in thememory according to the data for setting after changes obtained from thebatch setting bar code read by the reader of the respective scanners.

Thus, the discrete setting changing unit first changes the data forsetting in the memory in one of plurality of scanners. Then, when theoperating mode is shifted to a batch setting mode using the switch andbatch setting bar code is read by the reader of each of the otherscanners, setting in these scanners in which changing of setting is notcomplete is successively changed in batch.

When the batch setting bar code is read by the reader of each of theother scanners, the control unit updates data for setting in its ownmemory according to the changed data for setting obtained from the batchsetting bar code.

With the above invention, data for setting in one of scanners isdiscretely changed and then data for setting in each of the otherscanners is changed in batch using the same batch setting bar code.Therefore, setting can speedily be changed as compared to that of theconventional type of POS system, and chances of incorrect setting can beprevented because there is no need to discretely change the setting,especially, in a plurality of scanners using a DIP switch or the like,which allows the setting to accurately be changed.

The optical reader according to the present invention comprises a readerfor optically reading a bar code; a memory for storing therein data forsetting required for operations; a control unit for controlling theoperations of writing data in or reading data from the memory. Aninterface is provided for performing communications with an externaldevice. The control unit writes the data for setting inputted from theoutside in the memory and also sends out the data for setting set in thememory via the interface to the external device.

When the data for setting is inputted from outside, the control unitwrites the data for setting in the memory and also sends out data forsetting in the memory via the external interface to the external device.Because the data for setting in the memory can be sent out to theexternal device, the external device can easily change setting in thememories of the other scanners in batch using the received data forsetting.

In the optical reader according to another aspect the control unit sendsout only data for setting set anew via the interface to the externaldevice.

With the above invention, because only the data for setting set anew issent out via the interface to the external device by the control unit,amount of data for setting in the memories of the other scanners to besent from the external device becomes smaller, which allows the settingto speedily be changed.

The information processing system according to the present inventioncomprises a plurality of scanners each having a reader for opticallyreading a bar code, a memory for storing therein data for settingrequired for operations, and a control unit for controlling theoperation of writing data for setting in or reading the data for settingfrom the memory. An upper device is connected to the plurality ofscanners. This upper device has a receiving unit for receiving the datafor setting set in one of the plurality of scanners, a bar codegenerating unit for generating a batch setting bar code for updating thedata for setting for the other scanners in batch according to thereceived data for setting, and can update data for setting of thescanner in batch by having the batch setting bar code read with thescanner.

With the above invention, when the receiving unit of the upper devicereceives data for setting set in one of the scanners, the bar codegenerating unit generates the batch setting bar code. Then, by havingthis batch setting bar code read with the reader of the scanner, datafor setting in the memory in the scanner is updated in batch. Becausethe data for setting in other scanners can be updated in batch usingbatch setting bar code, the setting can speedily and accurately bechanged.

Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing various types of bar codes used in the POSsystem according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining a complete operation of the POSsystem according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining discrete/batch set processing inthe POS system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining batch set processing in the POSsystem according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing configuration of the POS system basedon the conventional technology;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing configuration of the DIP switch 19 ₁(which is similar to the DIP switch 19 ₂); and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the POS systembased on the conventional technology;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed description is made hereinafter for one embodiment of the POSsystem, optical reader, and information processing system according tothe present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing configuration of a POS systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. In this figure,the same reference numerals are assigned to components corresponding tothose in FIG. 6, and description thereof is omitted herein.

In the POS system shown in FIG. 1, various types of bar codes shown inFIG. 2 are used instead of the shift to setting mode bar code 1, thesetting bar code 2, the end of setting mode bar code 3, and the ordinarybar code 4 shown in FIG. 6. Namely, in FIG. 2, discrete/shift to batchsetting mode bar code 100 is the one obtained by converting to bar codethe information for shifting a mode in the scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) fromthe above mentioned operating mode to a discrete/batch setting mode. Thediscrete/batch setting mode is a mode for discretely setting contents ofsetting in a memory such as a non-volatile memory 18 ₁ using a pluralityof discrete setting bar code 200 described later as well as a mode forsetting in batch the setting in, for example, the non-volatile memories18 ₂ to 18 _(n) using a first batch setting bar code 500 (or a secondbatch setting bar code 600) described later.

The discrete setting bar code 200 has the same function as the abovementioned setting bar code 2 (Refer to FIG. 6), and it corresponds toone setting out of all the settings in the non-volatile memory 18 ₁.Therefore, if there are ‘n’ number of settings, then ‘n’ types ofdiscrete setting bar code 200 are used in practice. The first batchsetting bar code 500 is obtained by converting to bar code theinformation for contents of setting re-set in a memory such as thenon-volatile memory 18 ₁ using the discrete setting bar code 200.

The second batch setting bar code 600 is obtained by converting to barcode the information for a changed portion in contents of setting re-setin, for example, the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ using the discrete settingbar code 200. Discrete/end of batch setting mode bar code 300 isobtained by converting to bar code the information for shifting a modein the scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) from the above mentioned discrete/batchsetting mode to the operating mode. The ordinary bar code 400 has thesame function as the ordinary bar code 4 (Refer to FIG. 6), and isobtained by converting to bar code the maker code and item code for anarticle.

A first transmission request bar code 700 is obtained by converting tobar code the information for requesting to transmit data of settingafter changes stored in, for example, the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ inthe scanner 10 ₁. On the other hand, a second transmission request barcode 800 is obtained by converting to bar code the information forshifting a mode transmit data for a changed portion in contents ofsetting before change in the scanner 10 ₁. A shift to batch setting modebar code 900 is obtained by converting to bar code the information forshifting a mode in the scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) from the operating modeto the batch setting mode. The batch setting mode is a mode for settingin batch the setting in, for example, the non-volatile memories 18 ₁ to18 _(n) using the first batch setting bar code 500 (or the second batchsetting bar code 600) described later.

Namely, in the POS system according to one embodiment, the setting inthe non-volatile memory in each of the scanners 10 ₂ to 10 _(n) ischanged in batch using the first batch setting bar code 500 (or thesecond batch setting bar code 600) prepared according to the contents ofsetting discretely set in, for example, the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ inthe scanner 10 ₁ using (a plurality) discrete setting bar code 200. Theabove mentioned batch setting can be performed by using either one ofthe discrete/shift to batch setting mode bar code 100 and the shift tobatch setting mode bar code 900. Therefore, it is up to a user to decidewhich of the discrete/shift to batch setting mode bar code 100 and theshift to batch setting mode bar code 900 is to be selected at the timeof batch setting.

In FIG. 1, a host computer 30, an input section 40, and a printer 50 areprovided anew. Furthermore, the function of the CPU 11 ₁ (Refer toFIG. 1) in the POS system-according to one embodiment is different fromthe function of the CPU 11 ₁ shown in FIG. 6. The function of the CPU 11₁ (Refer to FIG. 1) will be described in detail later.

The host computer 30 shown in FIG. 1 is an upper computer connected tothe POS terminals 20 ₁ to 20 _(n) for collecting various data from thePOS terminals 20 ₁ to 20 _(n) and providing centralized controls overthe scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) as well as the POS terminals 20 ₁ to 20_(n). The scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) are connected to the POS terminals 20₁ to 20 _(n) through the cables L₁ to L_(n) respectively.

The host computer 30 transmits a first transmission request command S₁and a second transmission request command S₂ received from the inputsection 40 such as a keyboard to the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ viathe POS terminal 20 ₁, the cable L₁, and the external interface 17 ₁. Itshould be noted that the host computer 30 can also transmit the firsttransmission request command S₁ and second transmission request commandS₂ to the other scanners 10 ₂ to 10 _(n). Herein, the first transmissionrequest command S₁ is a command to request that changed data forcontents of setting stored in the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ of thescanner 10 ₁ is to be transmitted. On the other hand, the secondtransmission request command S₂ is a command to request that data for achanged portion in contents of setting before change is to betransmitted.

The printer 50 prints the first batch setting bar code 500 (Refer toFIG. 2) on a label not shown according to a first batch setting data H₁transmitted from the CPU 11 ₁ in response to the first transmissionrequest command S₁ under control of the host computer 30. Herein, thefirst batch setting data H₁ is the data for setting after changes storedin the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ in the discretesetting mode of the scanner 10 ₁.

Furthermore, the printer 50 prints the second batch setting bar code 600(Refer to FIG. 2) on a label not shown according to a second batchsetting data H₂ transmitted from the CPU 11 ₁ in response to the secondtransmission request command S₂ under control of the host computer 30.Herein, the second batch setting data H₂ is the data representing aportion of changes in the with respect to the setting before changesstored in the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ in thediscrete setting mode of the scanner 10 ₁.

Next, operation of the POS system according to one embodiment will bedescribed with reference to flow charts shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5. Eachof the above mentioned operating mode, discrete/batch setting mode, andbatch setting mode will be described hereinafter.

(Operating Mode)

At first, description is made for the operations in the operating mode.In the operating mode, the ordinary bar code 400 shown in FIG. 2 isused, and the scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) operate according to the ofsetting described above stored in each of the non-volatile memories 18 ₁to 18 _(n) respectively. In FIG. 1, when power is supplied to eachsections of the device, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁, CPU 11 ₂ ofthe scanner 10 ₂, and each CPU (not shown) of the scanners 10 ₃ to 10_(n) shift the system control to step SB1 shown in FIG. 3. Descriptionbelow will be made giving a particular emphasis on the operation of theCPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁.

In step SB1, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines whether thereader 14 ₁ has detected a bar code (ordinary bar code 400 or the like)or not according to whether a read signal has been received from thereader 14 ₁ or not. Herein, when the ordinary bar code 460 is detectedby the reader 14 ₁, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes a resultof determination in step SB1 as “Yes” and shifts the system control tostep SB2. Then, a read signal corresponding to ordinary bar code 400 isinputted from the reader 14 ₁ into the CPU 11 ₁.

In step SB2, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ demodulates the bar codefrom the received read signal, and determines whether the bar codedetected in step SB1 is a discrete/shift to batch setting mode bar code100 or not. In this case, as the detected bar code is the ordinary barcode 400, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result ofdetermination in step SB2 as “No” and shifts the system control to stepSB4.

In step SB4, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines whether the barcode detected in step SB1 is the shift to batch setting mode bar code900 or not. In this case, as the detected bar code is the ordinary barcode 400, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result ofdetermination in step SB4 as “No” and shifts the system control to stepSB6.

In step SB6, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines whether the barcode detected in step SB1 is the first transmission request bar code 700or not. In this case, as the detected bar code is the ordinary bar code400, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result ofdetermination in step SB6 as “No” and shifts the system control to stepSB9. In step SB9, the CPU 11 ₁ determines whether the bar code detectedin step SB1 is the second transmission request bar code 800 or not. Inthis case, as the detected bar code is the ordinary bar code 400, theCPU 11 ₁ recognizes the result of determination in step SB9 as “No” andshifts the system control to step SB12.

In step SB12, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines whether thebar code detected in step SB1 is the ordinary bar code 400 or not. Whenthe result of determination is “No”, the system control is returned tostep SB1. In this case, as the ordinary bar code 400 has been detected,the CPU 11 ₁ recognizes the result of determination in step SB12 as“Yes” and shifts the system control to step SB13. In step SB13, the CPU11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ generates data D_(b) for the bar codecorresponding to the ordinary bar code 4, transmits the data to the POSterminal 20 ₁ via the external interface 17 ₁ and the cable L₁. Then thesystem control is returned to step SB1 and the sequence of operationsdescribed above is repeated.

It should be noted that each operation of the scanners 10 ₂ to 10 _(n)as well as of the POS terminals 20 ₂ to 20 _(n) is the same as that ofthe above mentioned scanner 10 ₁ and the POS terminal 20 ₁, therefore,detailed description thereof is omitted therein.

(Discrete/Batch Setting Mode)

Operation in a discrete/batch setting mode will be described. At first,description is made for a discrete setting mode of the discrete/batchsetting mode, for discretely changing the setting in the non-volatilememory 18 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁. In the discrete setting mode, thediscrete/shift to batch setting mode bar code 100, one or more of thediscrete setting bar code 200, and the discrete/end of batch settingmode bar code 300 each shown in FIG. 2 are used.

During the operating mode explained above, for instance, whenspecifications of the ordinary bar code 400 to be used are changed, eachsetting in the scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) has to be change. In this case,the operator performs an operation of reading the discrete/shift tobatch setting mode bar code 100 by the reader 14 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁.When the reader 14 ₁ detects the discrete/shift to batch setting modebar code 100, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result ofdetermination in step SB1 as “Yes” and shifts the system control to stepSB2. Furthermore, a read signal corresponding to the discrete/shift tobatch setting mode bar code 100 is inputted from the reader 14 ₁ to theCPU 11 ₁.

In step SB2, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ demodulates the bar codefrom the received read signal, and determines whether the bar codedetected in step SB1 is the discrete/shift to batch setting mode barcode 100 or not. In this case, as the detected bar code is thediscrete/shift to batch setting mode bar code 100, the CPU 11 ₁ of thescanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result of determination in step SB2 as “Yes”and shifts the system control to step SB3. With this, the mode in thescanner 10 ₁ is shifted from the operating mode to the discrete/batchsetting mode.

Description is made hereinafter for details of discrete/batch settingprocessing in step SB3 described above while referring to the flow chartshown in FIG. 4. In step SC1 shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 ₁ of thescanner 10 ₁ determines, in the same manner as the step SB1 (Refer toFIG. 2), whether the reader 14 ₁ has detected a bar code or notaccording to whether a read signal has been received from the reader 14₁ or not, and when a result of determination is “No”, the CPU 11 ₁repeats this determination.

Herein, the operator reads the discrete setting bar code 200 (Refer toFIG. 2) with the help of the reader 14 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁.Information corresponding to contents of setting to be changed isrepresented on this discrete setting bar code 200. With this feature,the reader 14 ₁ detects the discrete setting bar code 200, and the CPU11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes a result of determination in step SCas “Yes” and shifts the system control to step SC2. Furthermore, a readsignal corresponding to the discrete setting bar code 200 is inputtedfrom the reader 14 ₁ to the CPU 11 ₁.

In step SC2, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ demodulates the bar codefrom the received read signal, and determines whether the bar codedetected in step SC1 is the discrete setting bar code 200 or not. Inthis case, as the detected bar code is the discrete setting bar code200, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes a result ofdetermination in step SC2 as “Yes” and shifts the system control to stepSC3. In step SC3, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ reads the existingsetting from the non-volatile memory 18 ₁, updates the existing settingwith the new setting obtained from the read signal, and returns thesystem control to step SC1. When the other setting is to be changed inthe step and thereafter, the operator performs the operation of readingthe other discrete setting bar code 200 with the help of the reader 14₁.

Then, the operator performs an operation, when the operation of readingthe discrete setting bar code 200 is finished, for having thediscrete/end of batch setting mode bar code 300 read with the reader 14₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ in order to terminate the discrete/batch settingmode. The reader 14 ₁ detects the discrete/end of batch setting mode barcode 300, and the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result ofdetermination in step SC1 as “Yes” and shifts the system control to stepSC2. A read signal corresponding to the discrete/end of batch settingmode bar code 300 is inputted from the reader 14 ₁ to the CPU 11 ₁.

In step SC2, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ demodulates the bar codefrom the received read signal, and determines whether the bar codedetected in step SC1 is the discrete setting bar code 200 or not. Inthis case, as the detected bar code is the discrete/end of batch settingmode bar code 300, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizes theresult of determination in step SC2 as “No” and shifts the systemcontrol to step SC4. In step SC4, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁determines whether the bar code detected in step SC1 is the first batchsetting bar code 500 or not. In this case, as the detected bar code isthe. discrete/end of batch setting mode bar code 300, the CPU 11 ₁ ofthe scanner 10 ₁ recognizes the result of determination in step SC4 as“No” and shifts the system control to step SC6.

In step SC6, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines whether the barcode detected in step SC1 is the second batch setting bar code 600 ornot. In this case, as the detected bar code is the discrete/end of batchsetting mode bar code 300, the CPU 11 ₁ recognizes the result ofdetermination as “No” and shifts the system control to step SC8. In stepSC8, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ determines whether the bar codedetected in step SC1 is the discrete/end of batch setting mode bar code300 or not, and when a result of determination is “Now”, system controlreturns to step SC1. In this case, as the discrete/end of batch settingmode bar code 300 has been detected, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁recognizes the result of determination in step SC8 as “Yes” and shiftsthe system control to step SC9. With this operation, the mode in thescanner 10 ₁ is shifted from the discrete setting mode to the operatingmode.

In step SC9, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ updates the setting in thenon-volatile memory 18 ₁ with the new setting according to the updatingoperation in step SC3, ends the discrete/batch set processing, andreturns to step SB1 (Refer to FIG. 3). With this operation, theoperation of discrete changing of setting in the scanner 10 ₁ using thediscrete setting bar code 200 is finished.

Next, description is made for batch setting to be performed with respectto the other scanners 10 ₂ to 10 _(n) according to discrete setting inthe scanner 10 ₁ of the above mentioned discrete/batch setting. In thebatch setting mode of the discrete/batch setting mode described later,the discrete/shift to batch setting mode bar code 100 and the firstbatch setting bar code 500 (or the second batch setting bar code 600)each shown in FIG. 2 are used. Namely, the batch setting mode in the POSsystem according to one embodiment includes two types of modes: a modeusing the first batch setting bar code 500 and the other mode using thesecond batch setting bar code 600.

At first, description is made for the batch setting mode using the firstbatch setting bar code 500. In this case, it is assumed that the settingin the scanner 10 ₁ has already been performed separately by using thediscrete setting bar code 200 and the setting in the non-volatile memory18 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ has already been updated. In this status, whena command is inputted from the input section 40 so as to request thetransmission of changes in the setting stored in the non-volatile memory18 ₁, then the host computer 30 transmits a first transmission requestcommand S₁ to the CPU 11 ₁ via the POS terminal 20 ₁, the cable L₁, andthe external interface 17 ₁.

Then, when receiving the first transmission request command S₁, the CPU11 ₁ recognizes the result of determination in step SB14 shown in FIG. 3as “Yes” and shifts the system control to step SB15. In step SB15, theCPU 11 ₁ reads the changes in all of settings from the non-volatilememory 18 ₁, generates the data as a first batch setting data H₁, andshifts the system control to step SB16. In step SB16, the CPU 11 ₁outputs the first batch setting data H₁ to the host computer 30 via theexternal interface 17 ₁, the cable L₁, and the POS terminal 20 ₁. Afterthis the system control is returned to step SB1.

Then, when receiving the first batch setting data H₁, the host computer30 outputs print data for the first batch setting bar code 500 to theprinter 50 according to the first batch setting data H₁. With thisoperation, the first batch setting bar code 500 (Refer to FIG. 2) isprinted on a label not shown. Herein, the first batch setting bar code500 is obtained by converting to bar code the information (all thesettings in the non-volatile memory 18 ₁) corresponding to the firstbatch setting data H₁.

When printing of the first batch setting bar code 500 is complete, theoperator performs an operation for a batch setting mode using the firstbatch setting bar code 500 with respect to the scanners 10 ₂ to 10 _(n)which are the scanners other than the scanner 10 ₁. More specifically,the operator reads the discrete/shift to batch setting mode bar code 100(Refer to FIG. 2) with the help of the reader 14 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂in order to shift the mode. The CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ recognizesthe results of determination in steps SB1 and SB2 shown in FIG. 3 as“Yes” and the system control is shifted to step SB3 where thediscrete/batch set processing shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

Namely, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ determines in step SC1 shown inFIG. 4 whether the reader 14 ₂ has detected a bar code or not. Herein,the operator reads the first batch setting bar code 500 prepared withthe above operation with the help of the reader 14 ₂ of the scanner 10₂. The CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ then recognizes the result ofdetermination in step SC1 as “Yes” and also recognizes the result ofdetermination in step SC2 as “No” and shifts the system control to stepSC4. In step SC4, as the first batch setting bar code 500 has beendetected, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ recognizes the result ofdetermination as “Yes” and shifts the system control to step SC5.

In step SC5, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ reads all the settings inthe non-volatile memory 18 ₂ according to a read signal (first batchsetting data H₁) of the first batch setting bar code 500, updates allthe settings with the new setting (setting in the non-volatile memory 18₁ of the scanner 10 ₁), and shifts the system control to step SC9. Instep SC9, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ updates the settings in thenon-volatile memory 18 ₂, and ends the discrete/batch set processing.After this the system control is returned to step SB1 shown in FIG. 3.

Namely, in step SC9, the data for contents of setting in thenon-volatile memory 18 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ is copied to thenon-volatile memory 18 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ from the first batchsetting bar code 500. Then, when the setting in the scanner 10 ₂ iscomplete, the operator successively performs the same operation as thebatch setting operation for the scanner 10 ₂ using the same first batchsetting bar code 500 in order to change the setting in the scanners 10 ₃to 10 _(n).

The batch setting using the second batch setting bar code 600 (Refer toFIG. 2) instead of the first batch setting bar code 500 will beexplained below. In this case, it is assumed that discrete setting inthe scanner 10 ₁ has been performed by-using the discrete setting barcode 200 and the setting in the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ of the scanner10 ₁ has already been updated.

In this status, when a command is inputted from the input section 40 soas to request the transmission of changes in the setting stored in thenon-volatile memory 18 ₁, then the host computer 30 transmits a firsttransmission request command S₂ to the CPU 11 ₁ via the POS terminal 20₁, the cable L₁, and the external interface 17 ₁.

Then, when receiving the second transmission request command S₂, the CPU11 ₁ recognizes the result of determination in step SB17 shown in FIG. 3as “Yes” and shifts the system control to step SB18. In step SB18, theCPU 11 ₁ after reading the setting from the non-volatile memory 18 ₁,compares these setting with the setting before change and generates adata for the changes. Then, the CPU 11 ₁ generates the data for thechanged portion as a second batch setting data H₂, and shifts the systemcontrol to step SB19. In step SB19, the CPU 11 ₁ outputs the secondbatch setting data H₂ to the host computer 30 via the external interface17 ₁, the cable L₁, and the POS terminal 20 ₁. After this the systemcontrol is returned to step SB1.

Then, when receiving the second batch setting data H₂, the host computer30 outputs print data for the second batch setting bar code 600 to theprinter 50 according to the second batch setting data H₂. With thisoperation, the second batch setting bar code 600 is printed on a labelnot shown. Herein, the second batch setting bar code 600 is obtained byconverting to bar code the information (changes in the setting in thenon-volatile memory 18 ₁) corresponding to the second batch setting dataH₂.

When printing of the second batch setting bar code 600 is complete, theoperator performs an operation for a batch setting mode using the secondbatch setting bar code 600 with respect to the scanners 10 ₂ to 10 _(n)which are other than the scanner 10 ₁. More specifically, the operatorreads the discrete/shift to batch setting mode bar code 100 (Refer toFIG. 2) with the help of the reader 14 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ in order toshift the mode. The CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ recognizes the resultsof determination in steps SB1 and SB2 shown in FIG. 3 as “Yes” and thesystem control is shifted to step SB3 where the discrete/batch setprocessing shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

Herein, when the second batch setting bar code 600 is read using thereader 14 ₂, then the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ recognizes the resultof determination in step SC1 shown in FIG. 4 as “Yes” and alsorecognizes the results of determination in steps SC2 and SC4 as “No” andshifts the system control to step SC6. In step SC6, as the second batchsetting bar code 600 has been detected, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂recognizes a result of determination as “Yes” and the system controlshifts to step SC7.

In step SC7, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ reads the setting from thenon-volatile memory 18 ₂ according to a read signal (second batchsetting data H₂) of the second batch setting bar code 600, updates aportion corresponding to the changes in the setting obtained from thesecond batch setting data H₂ and then shifts the system control to stepSC9. In step SC9, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ updates the changedportion in the setting in the non-volatile memory 18 ₂, and ends thediscrete/batch set processing. After this the system control is returnedto step SB1 shown in FIG. 3.

When the setting in the scanner 10 ₂ is changed, the operatorsuccessively performs the same operation as the batch setting operationperformed for the scanner 10 ₂ using the same second batch setting barcode 600 in order to change setting in the scanners 10 ₃ to 10 _(n).

In the above mentioned POS system according to one embodiment, althoughdescription has been made for the case where the first batch settingdata H₁ and second batch setting data H₂ are transmitted after inputtinga command through the input section 40, it is also possible to use thefirst transmission request bar code 700 and second transmission requestbar code 800 (Refer to FIG. 2) in place of entering a command asmentioned above.

Namely, in place of entering a command, when the operator reads thefirst transmission request bar code 700 with the help of the reader 14 ₁of the scanner 10 ₁, then the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ recognizesthe result of determination in step SB6 shown in FIG. 3 as “Yes” andshifts the system control to step SB7. In step SB7, the CPU 11 ₁ of thescanner 10 ₁ generates the first batch setting data H₁ in the samemanner as the step SB15 described above and shifts the system control tostep SB8. In step SB8, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ transmits thefirst batch setting data H₁ to the host computer 30 via the externalinterface 17 ₁, the cable L₁, and the POS terminal 20 ₁ in the samemanner as the step SB16.

On the other hand, in place of entering a command, when the operatorreads the first transmission request bar code 800 with the help of thereader 14 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁, then the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁recognizes the result of determination in step SB9 shown in FIG. 3 as“Yes” and shifts the system control to step SB10. In step SB10, the CPU11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ generates the second batch setting data H₂ inthe same manner as the step SB18 described above and shifts the systemcontrol to step SB11. In step SB11, the CPU 11 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁transmits the second batch setting data H₂ to the host computer 30 viathe external interface 17 ₁, the cable L₁, and the POS terminal 20 ₁ inthe same manner as the step SB19.

(Batch Set Mode)

In the above mentioned POS system according to one embodiment, althoughdescription has been made for the case where batch setting is performedto the scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n) using the discrete/shift to batchsetting mode bar code 100, it is also possible to perform batch settingusing the shift to batch setting mode bar code 900 in place of thediscrete/shift to batch setting mode bar code 100. Description is madehereinafter for a batch setting mode when the shift to batch settingmode bar code 900 is used.

In this case, it is assumed that discrete setting in the non-volatilememory 18 ₁ of the scanner 10 ₁ has already been completed as describedabove and the first batch setting bar code 500 or the second batchsetting bar code 600 is printed by the printer 50. In this status, whenthe batch setting using the first batch setting bar code 500 (or thesecond batch setting bar code 600) is to be performed with respect toeach of the non-volatile memory 18 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂, the operatorreads the shift to batch setting mode bar code 100 with the help of thereader 14 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂.

With this operation, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ recognizes theresult of determination in step SB4 shown in FIG. 3 as “Yes” and shiftsthe system control to step SB5 where the batch set processing shown inFIG. 5 is executed. Namely, in step SD1 shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 11 ₂ ofthe scanner 10 ₂ determines whether the reader 14 ₂ has detected a barcode or not, and repeats the same determination when the result ofdetermination is “No”. When the reader 14 ₂ has read the first batchsetting bar code 500 through operation by the operator, the CPU 11 ₂ ofthe scanner 10 ₂ recognizes the result of determination in step SD1 as“Yes” and shifts the system control to step SD2.

In step SD2, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ determines whether thefirst batch setting bar code 500 has been detected or not. In this case,as the first batch setting bar code 500 as been detected, the CPU 11 ₂recognizes a result of detection as “Yes” and shifts to step SD3. Instep SD3, the CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ updates the contents of allthe settings in the non-volatile memory 18 ₂ to contents of new setting(contents of setting in the non-volatile memory 18 ₁ of the scanner 10₁) according to demodulated bar code from the read signal of the firstbatch setting bar code 500 with system control returned to step SB1(Refer to FIG. 3) and repeats the sequence of operations describedabove.

On the other hand, when batch setting using the second batch setting barcode 600 is to be performed with respect to each of non-volatilememories of the scanners 10 ₂ to 10 _(n), the operator reads the shiftto batch setting mode bar code 900 with the help of the reader 14 ₂ ofthe scanner 10 ₂, then and reads the second batch setting bar code 600.The CPU 11 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ recognizes, by performing the sameoperation described above, the result of determination in step SB4 shownin FIG. 3 as “Yes” and the system control is shifted to step SB5 wherethe batch set processing shown in FIG. 5 is executed.

Namely, in the batch set processing shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 11 ₂ of thescanner 10 ₂ recognizes the result of determination in step SD1 as“Yes”, also recognizes the result of determination in step SD2 as “No”and further recognizes the result of determination in step SD4 as “Yes”,and shifts the system control to step SD5. In step SD5, the CPU 11 ₂ ofthe scanner 10 ₂ updates the changed portion of setting in thenon-volatile memory 18 ₂ according to the demodulated bar code from theread signal of the second batch setting bar code 600. After this thesystem control is returned to step SB1 shown in FIG. 3.

As described above, with the POS system according to one embodiment,setting in the scanner 10 ₁ is discretely changed, and the setting inother scanners 10 ₂ to 10 _(n) is changed in batch using the same firstbatch setting bar code 500 (or the second batch setting bar code 600).Therefore, a setting operation can speedily be performed as compared tothat of the conventional type of POS system, and as there is no need todiscretely change the setting in each of the scanners 10 ₁ to 10 _(n)using a DIP switch or the like, incorrect setting can be prevented,which allows the changing operation of setting to accurately beperformed. Furthermore, with the POS system according to one embodiment,when the second batch setting bar code 600 is used, only a changedportion of data may be read, so that a time for reading can be reduced,which allows the changing operation of setting to further speedily beperformed as compared to that of the conventional type of POS system.

In addition, with the POS system according to one embodiment, as thereis used an extremely simple method of reading the first transmissionrequest bar code 700 or the second transmission request bar code 800using a reader, changing operation of setting can further speedily beperformed as compared to that of the conventional type of POS system.

In the POS system according to one embodiment described above, althoughdescription has been made for the case where a mode in, for instance,the scanner 10 ₂ is shifted to the batch setting mode by reading theshift to batch setting mode bar code 900 (discrete/shift to batchsetting shift bar code 100) with the help of the reader 14 ₂ of thescanner 10 ₂, the mode may be shifted to the batch setting mode usingthe DIP switch 19 ₂ of the scanner 10 ₂ in place of the shift to batchsetting mode bar code 900 (discrete/shift to batch setting bar code100). In one embodiment described above, although the POS system hasbeen taken up as an example for description, the invention is notlimited to the POS system, and the represented configuration isapplicable as an optical reader for optically reading a bar code and aphysical distribution system for processing information using bar codein, for instance, physical distribution.

As described above, in the present invention, data for setting in one ofscanners is discretely changed and then data for setting in the otherscanners is changed in batch. Therefore, the setting can speedily bechanged as compared to that of the conventional type of POS system, andchances of incorrect setting can be prevented because there is no needto discretely change the setting, especially, in a plurality of scannersusing a DIP switch or the like, which allows the setting to accuratelybe changed.

In the present invention, because an extremely simple method of havingthe reader read a specified bar code is used, the setting can morespeedily be changed as compared to that of the conventional type of POSsystem.

In the present invention, when discretely changing the setting in one fscanners, data in the memory for setting before changes is compared withthe data for setting after changes, and a batch setting bar code isgenerated according to only the different portions of the data.Therefore, because only changed portions of data is required to be read,the time for reading when batch setting bar code is read by each readerof the other scanners is reduced, which allows the setting to morespeedily be changed as compared to that of the conventional type of POSsystem.

In the present invention, as data for setting in the memory can be sentto the external device, the external device can easily change thesetting in the memories of the other scanners in batch using thereceived data for setting.

In the present invention, as only data for setting set anew is sent viathe interface to the external device by the control unit, amount of datarequired for setting in the memories of the other scanners by theexternal device becomes smaller, which allows the setting to speedily bechanged.

In the present invention, as data for setting in other scanners can beupdated in batch using the batch setting bar code, the setting canspeedily and accurately be changed.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a specificembodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims arenot to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying allmodifications and alternative constructions that may occur to oneskilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching hereinset forth.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical scanner for use with an external POSterminal and an external host computer; the optical scanner comprising:a reader for optically reading a bar code, including a bar codecomprising scanner-setting data; a memory for storing therein thescanner-setting data for setting scanner operations; a control unit tocontrol writing the scanner-setting data in or reading thescanner-setting data from said memory; and an interface forcommunications with the host computer; wherein said control unit writesthe scanner-setting data inputted from the outside in said memory an dalso sends out the scanner-setting data set in said memory via saidinterface to said host computer.
 2. An optical scanner according toclaim 1; wherein said control unit sends out only the scanner-settingdata for setting set anew via said interface to said host computer. 3.An optical scanner according to claim 1; wherein the host computercomprises a bar-code printer, whereby the scanner-setting data set insaid memory sent to said host computer is printable for setting anotherscanner.
 4. An information processing system comprising: a plurality ofscanners each having a reader for optically reading a bar code, a memoryfor storing therein data for setting required for operations, and acontrol unit for controlling the operation of writing data for settingin or reading the data for setting from said memory; and an upper deviceconnected to said plurality of scanners; wherein said upper device has,a receiving unit for receiving the data for setting set in one of theplurality of scanners; and a bar code generating unit for generating abatch setting bar code for updating the data for setting for the otherscanners in batch according to the received data for setting, and canupdate data for setting of said scanner in batch by having the batchsetting bar code read with said scanner.